Trust Us: These Are the 7 Summer Hair Trends We'll All Be Requesting at the Salon
From shaggy bobs to "golden hour brunette", summer’s chicest hair trends are delightfully wearable.
I’m a creature of habit when it comes to my hair, but there’s something about summer’s impending arrival that has me itching to try something new. And I’m putting it down to the fact that the summer hair trends for 2026 will undoubtedly appeal to the low-maintenance amongst us. Yes, I’ve been busy talking to industry’s top hairstylists and colourists, and there’s one thing that they all agree on for the season ahead: summer hair is going to be a whole lot more relaxed.
"Summer hair is moving away from anything overworked or overly done," says celebrity hair stylist Sam McKnight MBE. "It’s that idea of luxury through restraint; soft, touchable texture, natural movement, nothing too styled. And there’s a definite return to '90s minimalism too, which we’re seeing again through our renewed obsession with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy."
This season, it’s less about chasing a perfectly styled finish and more about opting for cuts that work with your natural hair and grow out beautifully. As for hair colour? It’s similarly relaxed. "Low-maintenance, but high impact," explains Mary Wheatley, colourist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. "Think mixes of warms and beige, blondes with natural depth, and soft, natural tones with sun-kissed vibes."
So if you’re ready to embrace a new look that feels polished without trying too hard (which is exactly how I want my hair to feel all summer), then keep scrolling for the summer hair trends that experts predict will be everywhere this season.
1. Shaggy Bob
Naturally, this wouldn’t be a 2026 hair trends report unless a bob was in the mix. For summer, though, it’s the shaggy bob that will dominate; a natural shift away from the precisely cut styles that we’ve been seeing towards something more relaxed.
"I am so excited about the return of the shaggy bob," says Samantha Cusick, celebrity hair stylist and ghd ambassador. "Unlike the sharp, geometric bob that we’ve had for a few seasons, this one is softer. It’s got layers, it’s got curtain fringe energy, and it moves."
What appeals most about this style is how little effort it actually requires. It’s the kind of cut that gives your hair shape and personality without the need for constant styling. "It works on so many different textures and lengths, which makes it so wearable, and it’s one of those cuts that actually gets better as it grows out," explains Cusick.
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Cusick rates this wet-to-dry styler for effortless shaggy bob styling. "It adds that incredible soft volume and movement without you having to do very much at all," she says.
This styling paste adds texture to hair without shine—perfect for a really cool, matte finish with an abundance of movement.
2. Floating Fringe
Call it the Margot Robbie effect, but fringes have been enjoying a renaissance of late. However, there is no denying that bangs can be high-maintenance, which is where summer’s floating fringe comes in.
"Effortless, light, wearable… this summer, it’s going to be all about a soft fringe that floats just above the brows and opens subtly through the centre," says Antonio Hector, stylist at Hershesons Belgravia. "It's not short enough to be a micro-fringe, but it should feel light and broken enough to lift and frame the face."
If you’re on the fence about going for the chop, then the beauty of this fringe is that it doesn’t take over your whole look. Instead, its wispiness gently frames the face and grows out subtly so you avoid the need for weekly trims.
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Dry shampoo is a non-negotiable when it comes to styling a fringe, and this soaks up excess oil whilst infusing hair with an expensive-smelling scent.
A small round brush is key when it comes to adding airy volume and lift when blow-drying this kind of soft fringe.
3. Layered Lob
Mid-length hairstyles are having a moment right now and make for the perfect in-between option if you’re not sure about whether to chop or grow your hair.
"Softer, more relaxed shapes are really going to dominate for summer, particularly longer, grown-out bobs and layered mid-length cuts," says Neale Rodger, style director at Stil London. "These styles offer versatility and movement whilst still feeling lightweight for summer, combined with a rise in subtle face-framing layers and airy fringes, which give structure without feeling too heavy."
The beauty of the lob is how adaptable it is. As Rodger points out, this is a cut that "works with the hair’s natural behaviour rather than against it," so you can air-dry it, heat-style it, tie it up, wear it loose; it works effortlessly with whatever kind of summer you’re enjoying.
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A salt-free mist that enhances your hair's natural texture whilst protecting it from UV exposure in the height of summer.
This is the best curling wand for creating long-lasting waves and curls that last all day, in my opinion, and this cute coral hue from the new GHD Jelly collection is perfect for summer.
4. The Bixie
Probably the edgiest style in the summer lineup, the "bixie" is already taking over as one of the most-asked-for cuts ever since Zendaya stepped out with one this spring. However, it’s surprisingly wearable in real life too.
"The standout cut for me is a modern, textured bixie—something that sits between a classic bob and a pixie," explains Tobias Bell, hairstylist and UK Amika stylist partner. "There’s a strong rock 'n' roll influence coming through a lot of this season’s cuts, which is all about movement and shape, rather than perfection. This cut has that slightly undone edge that feels very current."
The bixie will definitely make a statement, but not in an intimidating way. So if you’re after a cool chop for summer, it makes a great option.
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Bell recommends this texture spray for giving "airy, piecey texture without making the hair feel crunchy or overdone", which is key to this cool bixie style.
Keep your scalp healthy during the warmer months with this lightweight serum that sinks into the scalp overnight to protect and strength the hair follicles and encourage new growth.
5. CBK Blonde
Minimalists rejoice. Buttery blonde is back, inspired directly by Love Story and Carolyn Bassette Kennedy’s iconic '90s honeyed hair.
"In salon, we’re really taking our cues from the renewed buzz around Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, which has definitely been sparked by Love Story," explains Marley Xavier, colourist at Hershesons Belgravia. "This is the kind of blonde that transcends trends—it’s cool, clean and effortlessly striking."
What makes this shade stand out is just how polished it is. This is less about trying to create a lived-in look or add lots of dimension; it’s about creating a really refined, even, golden tone with root-to-tip highlights. It works best when paired with pared-back styling, like a clean centre parting and a simple blowdry.
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To nail this colour trend, you want to keep brassiness at bay, and this toning purple shampoo will keep your Bessette blonde bright and moisturised.
Packed with an amino complex and a strengthening blend of algae, this gloss-boosting mist is basically expensive-looking hair in a bottle.
6. Golden-Hour Brunette
Whilst blonde always dominates as the most-requested colour change in salons for summer, this season, brunettes are about to enjoy a major upgrade in the form of "golden hour brunette".
"You’re going to start hearing this term everywhere," says Cusick. "It’s a rich, dimensional, glossy colour that almost glows under every light. Think deep bases with warm caramel and honey ribbons running through—a colour that has real depth but also catches the light in the most beautiful way."
This is the kind of colour that looks expensive without being obvious. And, as Cusick points out, the key is to find a colourist who will completely personalise the colour to each client so that it looks effortless.
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This colour trend is all about that shine, and this shea butter and sweet-almond-oil-infused conditioner will leave hair absolutely glowing.
For in between hair appointments, this colour-depositing treatment mask enhances caramel highlights and honey hues for a warm, shiny finish.
7. Statement Shades
Whilst natural tones are having a moment, there’s still space for something a little more expressive this summer, too.
"Colour is definitely splitting in two directions. On one side, we’re seeing rich, glossy tones with depth, and on the other, there’s a return to statement colours like coppers, pinks and grungier tones," explains Bell. The key to making a bright or more experimental hue feel wearable lies in how it's worn. Bell advises teaming it with a textured cut so your colour feels lived-in.
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This semi-permanent hair colour takes just 30 minutes to transform hair into a warm peachy hue.
If you've already embraced the copper life, then this 10-minute colour-depositing mask will revive faded hair.
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